For My Grandpa

For my Grandpa.

My grandpa has lived a full life.  He has been a husband to Patricia Dressback for 65 years.  A father of 4…7 including spouses.  Grandfather to 9…15 including spouses.  And a great grandpa to 8…no spouses for those youngins yet! 

I have been incredibly blessed to call Jack Dressback my grandpa for the past 28 years (and will continue).  He has been very present in all of our lives.  

He was in the audience when I was a bee in my very first school play.  I may have even played a rock at one point and even for that I’m sure he was there, if I’m not making this up.  He spent countless hours on the bleachers watching softball, soccer, and yes even middle school girls basketball.  He picked me up from school, was at every grandparent’s day school event, fundraisers, banquets, car washes, recitals, you name it; Jack Dressback was always there, early!  He was there for my high school graduation and drove countless hours to give me a hug and congratulate me on my graduation from college.  He again drove numerous hours, with my grandmother, to sit in the congregation to hear me deliver a sermon. 

My grandpa loved cars, racing, eagles, and sports.  I am a colts’ fan because of him.  And lets not forget his obsession with John Deere.  I was young but I remember the days in Indiana when my grandparents would keep me while my parents were at work.  My grandpa would sit me on his lap and let me think I was driving the John Deere to mow the yard.   After raking the leaves and re raking after I jumped in them he would put the leaves first in the trashcan and then lift me in next, letting me stomp them down.  This is one of my favorite memories in life.  When the family moved to Florida I remember visiting my grandparents for trips to the park, K-mart, and McDonalds.

He always suited up for church and has been an usher since Noah built the ark.   

I think the whole family was shocked to learn of the news.  Jack Dressback was one of the most active and healthy 87 year olds around.  Jack Dressback was super human in my mind.  I honestly thought he would out live Methuselah. 

He lived an incredible life.  He served his country.  He was a dedicated family man.  He will remain as one of the strongest and gentle, most kind of persons I have ever met.  He will remain a hero to me. 

It didn’t matter what it was, my grandpa has been watching me, do whatever it is I do, from the day I was born.  He has shown up for every event in my life.  And as he is taking his last breaths right now, I’m heartbroken that I will not be able to show up for him, but I know he will continue to watch me.  And I’m sure there is a recliner with his name on it.  

I need to add that my grandmother was also present for all of these events as well.  I’m a pretty lucky girl. 

Jack Dressback lived…